Is the location an area you feel comfortable living in?

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1 Welcome to The Ohio State University-Mansfield! We have assembled this resource to assist you in locating suitable off campus housing options. Certainly our preference is that students apply early enough to live in Molyet Village, the Mansfield campus university housing (see housing.osu.edu for more information). Please note that the University is not endorsing any of these properties, listed on the website. Choosing a living situation is a very personal matter. As you consider any housing option, always inquire about (see for more information): Is the location an area you feel comfortable living in? o If you want crime statistics, you can visit the local police department. o Visit the unit during the day and also at night to see if there is a major difference o in environment. Talk to the current tenants and see what their experience has been as far as crime issues, safety issues, etc. Is the size of the unit adequate for your needs? What if you plan to share the space? o Is the kitchen large enough for your cooking needs? o Are the bedrooms large enough for your furniture? o Are the closets adequate for your personal belongings? Is there sufficient lighting in the unit for your comfort (at least one window in all bedrooms and the living area)? Is everything in the unit in good working condition? Is the unit itself in a condition you are willing to live in? It is beneficial to HAVE ALL VERBAL AGREEMENTS PUT IN WRITING (if you make requests of the landlord and they promise to do things in return prior to your move-in)!! Would you feel comfortable renting from the landlord? o Talk to the current tenants to see what their experience has been with the landlord. We wish you well, and we are glad you are joining us as part of The Ohio State University family! Best wishes, Donna L. Hight, Ph.D. Chief Student Life Officer

2 Tips For Choosing A Roommate Your happiness in your living environment is directly related to your relationship with your roommate. Personal problems with roommates can cause unneeded distress in your life. Remember that friends are not always the best roommates. Friends may take advantage of the situation by borrowing your CD's or clothes without asking or they may not clean up their mess if they think you will clean it for them. If the roommate relationship becomes strained, you may lose a friend as well as a roommate. Here are some tips for ensuring that you and your roommate(s) have a quality living experience together. Discuss study habits and the expected study environment. Will you have some sort of "quiet hours"? Discuss utilities. What type of phone plan do you want or will you all have separate cell phones? Will you have cable and if so, what cable package? Discuss visiting hours/procedures, if there will be any. Discuss party procedures, if there will be any. Discuss the lease term. Most leases are 12-month contracts, but many students tend to leave for the summer. Make sure all roommates are clear on expectations. Will the roommate leaving be responsible for paying the rent? Will they try to find a replacement roommate (and if so, is this acceptable to the roommates remaining)? Make a cleaning agreement or contract, including sweeping, dusting, cleaning up messes, doing dishes, cleaning the bathroom, etc. Agree on a food policy. Do you share the cost of food or do you shop individually and have a "hands off" policy? Establish drinking and smoking rules. Be careful that you and your roommates have the same idea of your relationship are you looking for a best friend, someone to do things with on weekends, or just a roommate? Always communicate concerns as soon as they happen. If you are concerned about your roommate's ability to pay rent regularly, ask to see a credit report. Offer a copy of your own in return. A copy of your credit report can be obtained through the following agencies: Equifax: , Experian: , TransUnion: , Ask to see a criminal record. Offer a copy of your own in return. This way you may be for certain that the potential roommate does not have a criminal record.

3 On rare occasions, a roommate may run into financial difficulties and be forced to move out without paying rent. This may leave the financial burden on the remaining roommate(s). If possible, sign separate leases (although most leases are joint, meaning you are all equally responsible for your share and/or the entire rent amount). With separate leases, each roommate is responsible for his/her own portion of the rent. If that is not possible, as is usually the case, have your roommates' parents co-sign the lease as well (most companies require this anyway). This will place the burden of rent on the parents if the student tenants are not able to cover the rent. We strongly suggest that you do not pay your rent in cash. We suggest the same when it comes to paying for your share of the utilities: do not pay in cash. Even if your roommates are close friends of yours, we highly suggest that you pay your rent with a check or money order. Depending on your property owner's regulations, you may either be able to send a check/money order for your individual share of the rent directly to their office, or send one check/money order for all the roommates' share of the rent. Whatever the case may be, think twice before handing over cash to your roommate(s). If there is a question or dispute later, it is much more difficult to prove that you gave your roommate cash versus a check/money order. Thanks to OSU-Newark and COTC for allowing us to adapt this information for the Mansfield campus!

4 Off Campus Housing This information is intended to assist you in your search for off-campus housing in Mansfield. Some apartment complexes included on the list do not have on-site managers; it is recommended that you call in advance to make an appointment before going to any complex. When choosing an apartment, you should consider the following: Furnished or unfurnished Private or shared kitchen/bath Availability of laundry facilities Lease--Many landlords require that you rent the apartment for a minimum number of months and will also require a parent or co-signer. Deposit--In addition to the 1st month s rent, a deposit is usually required, which you get back if you leave the apartment in good condition. Utilities--Gas, electricity, and water may be paid by you or by the landlord. SAFETY--Safety is an important concern, so BEFORE signing the lease, check with friends, other students, residents of the complex, the local police, campus staff, or the apartment manager. UTILITY SERVICES Your apartment complex may furnish some utilities or you may be responsible for making those arrangements yourself by contacting the appropriate entity. Please ask your housing provider with whom to arrange utility services. Cable TV Time Warner Cable or Cell Phones--consult local phone book for complete listing of local service providers. Alltel: Sprint: T Mobile: Verizon Wireless: Cingular: Embarq Wireless: Electric Service Ohio Edison: Gas Service Columbia Gas:

5 Telephone Service Embarq: Water/Sewer Service City of Mansfield: Thanks to OSU-Newark and COTC for allowing us to adapt this information for the Mansfield campus!